IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

Date: Dec. 22, 2020

Passage

Luke 1:26-38

Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Luke 1:31

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

1. Mary is chosen to give birth to the Messiah (26-33)

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, the angel Gabriel appears to a country damsel named Mary, who is pledged to be married to Joseph. The angel says, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored!' Mary is afraid of his words. Her dream is set with Joseph; she doesn't want any other favor. Gabriel tells her not to be afraid and assures her that she is greatly favored to be chosen as the mother of Jesus, the promised Messiah, the Son of God, whose kingdom is forever. God's salvation plan is so much better than our own dream and truly fulfills our hopes.

2. Mary accepts God's will for her (34-38)

Mary asks Gabriel how this could scientifically happen since she is a virgin. He explains to her how the Holy Spirit would overpower her, she would conceive, and she would give birth to the Son of God. Elizabeth's pregnancy is evidence that nothing is impossible with God. By faith, Mary accepts God's will for her, and the angel leaves her.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see how much greater your favor and will is for my life and accept your plan by faith.

One Word: May it be to me as you have said.

Daily Bread

Remember Who God is

Psalm 77:1-20

Key Verse: 77:11

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

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